Key messages - 19 December 2024

The Government's English Devolution White Paper, setting out how local government could be organised in the future, was published earlier this week.
Lancashire's devolution agreement, which includes the creation of a Combined County Authority (CCA) early next year, aligns well with the White Paper's objectives and was cited in the document.
Prior to the publication of the White Paper, our leader and partners in the CCA had already agreed with government that they would seek to explore all future governance models that reflect the geography, the economy and the political landscape of Lancashire.
This would be done by working closely with local councils and other important stakeholders, reaching a conclusion by Autumn 2025. This will ensure the CCA remains in a strong position to receive further powers and funding in the future.
We are expecting further information from government later this week, on next steps in regard to the white paper.
Please be assured we will update further in the new year when more information is available.

It was great to see so many of you at the recent employee conferences.
We received a wide variety of questions during the sessions covering topics such as devolution, Leading Lancashire framework, how we manage change across the organisation, updates on some of our economic development projects such as Eden and suggestions on budget savings.
Unfortunately, we were unable to answer all your questions at the Preston conference so we will be holding a live online question and answer session in the new year to pick these up.
This session will run on Thursday 16 January 2025.
Further information and a booking link will be available soon.

Our 2024 Yearbook opened at the beginning of this month.
The yearbook gives you the opportunity to look back and reflect on the amazing work and progress achieved in the past year, for both you and the residents of Lancashire.
This can be recognising your own personal development and success, celebrating the work of your colleagues, or even just saying thank you to someone.
The yearbook is accessible to everyone who works at Lancashire County Council and will be live until 15 January 2025. To submit a comment of recognition, please visit our website and enter your details and message.

As these are the last key messages of the year, we want to thank you once again for your dedication and hard work on behalf of the people of Lancashire.
If you are working over the festive season, a huge thank you for supporting our residents, businesses, and visitors during the holidays.
For those of you who are getting a festive break, please take the opportunity to rest and recharge your batteries.
Wherever you are and whatever you are doing, we wish you all a peaceful, happy and safe Christmas.